Guitar Lessons Donna TX

Buz McGrath, lead guitarist of the metal band Unearth, has been slinging his 7-string on stage for over ten years, pioneering some great techniques along the way. In this lesson, I want to share some of his cool arpeggio patterns that span all seven strings.

Subjects
Bass Guitar, Songwriting, GuitarAges Taught
5 to 30Specialties
I am versed in blues, rock, metal, folk, acoustic-finger-style, and various other acoustic styles. Acoustic finger-style and blues/rock I am perhaps the most highly proficient in, it being the first style I ever learned as a kid. But it is definitely not a limitation.Education
HCC - no set major - 8/07 - 12/07 (not complete)Membership Organizations
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Singing, Music Performance, Speaking Voice, Songwriting, Percussion, Music Recording, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Music TheoryAges Taught
5 to 99Specialties
My method varies a great deal, as I often need to emulate styles for film. My natural style is very geared towards a British pop sensibility, although classically I am more influenced by German and Russian composers. My original (family) music education was in sixties pop and blues/folk guitar technique. My penchant for electronic music, ambient, dub, techno, and the like, should also be mentioned, for it has, over the years, effected my personal style.Education
Austin Community College - Music Theory, Literature - 2009-2010 (not complete) Berklee Boston - Music Production - 2005-2005 (not complete) St. Petersburg College - Electronic Music, Music Composition - 2001-2002 (not complete)Membership Organizations
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Subjects
Trombone, Clarinet, Mandolin, Trumpet, Music Theory, Guitar, Flute, Percussion, Bass Guitar, Violin, SongwritingAges Taught
5 to 99Specialties
Kelly has worked with various traditional band methods and enjoys teaching beginners. Because of his previous employment, he has the ability to teach students how to play in a band/church setting whether it is a contemporary band or choir w/ orchestra. He also specializes in teaching improve and music theory.Education
Angelo State University - Spanish & Music - Aug. 1989 - Dec. 1994 (Bachelor's degree received) Trinity Theological Seminary - Ministry - Aug. 1997 - Dec. 2005 (Master's degree received)Membership Organizations
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Subjects
Classical Guitar, Music Recording, Music Theory, Music Performance, Guitar, Songwriting, Bass GuitarAges Taught
11 to 99Specialties
On the guitar, I specialize in teaching mostly in rock and blues, but also bossa nova, jazz and classical. I feel like rock and blues are my strongest because I personally love them the most.Education
Berklee College of Music - Guitar Principal/Film Scoring - 2000-2004 (Bachelor's degree received)Membership Organizations
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Mastering 7-String Minor 7th Arpeggios with Buz McGrath of Unearth

AS METAL HAS EVOLVED, THERE HAS BEEN a trend toward lowered tunings. In an effort to make their music sound deeper and darker, many guitarists have turned to alternate and dropped tunings, as well as 7-string guitars. Buz McGrath, lead guitarist of the metal band Unearth, has been slinging his 7-string on stage for over ten years, pioneering some great techniques along the way. In this lesson, I want to share some of his cool arpeggio patterns that span all seven strings. Note to 6-string players: If you play the first two notes of the 7-string sweep arpeggios on the 7th and 10th frets of the sixth string (using your 1st finger), you can play this lesson without a 7-string.

I worked with Buz creating an instructional program outlining his style and techniques, and found him to be quite diverse as a player. Buz often adds minor 7th and diminished riffs and arpeggios into his music and, although he can shred masterfully, he allows melody to find its way into the mix. The example I’m going to share with you is inspiredby the lead section from the Unearth song “Crow Killers” from their CD The March, and it incorporates one of his signature 7-string arpeggios.

In Ex. 1, the lead section begins with a melodic line that climbs up the neck in three segments. Pay close attention to his vibrato at the end of each phrase.

Ex. 2 is a minor 7th sweep arpeggio that starts on a B at the seventh string 12th fret and, using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides, travels up to the 19th fret of the first string and all the way back down.

Ex. 3 is a similar minor 7th arpeggio but Buz finishes it off with a nice melodic line. Pay close attention to the fingering, it will help you cross all the strings smoothly.

Because being in tune is so important, intonating a guitar should be something every player should learn to do. If your guitar neck has too much bow in the wrong spot, or high strings at the nut, playing in tune will be a huge challenge. Adjusting your trussrod is another thing guitarists should be able to do. Unfortunately, leveling your frets and getting your nut slots the correct height is not so easily done at home, but it can make a tremendous difference in playability and tuning.